Thursday, June 8: Anniversary Day, no school for students
Friday, June 9: Clerical Day, no school for students
Monday, June 12: Kindergarten Ballet Hispanico Show, time TBD
Wednesday, June 14: Second Grade TaDa! Show, 9:30 AM
Thursday, June 15: PTA Meeting, 8 PM
Monday, June 19: Juneteenth, school closed
Friday, June 23: Fifth Grade Graduation, Auditorium, 9 AM
Tuesday, June 27: Last day of school
Summer Rising
The DOE Summer Rising application has closed. If your child has received placement at a Summer Rising location, you should receive an email from them. If you applied and did not receive notification, email dmarkewich@schools.nyc.gov and I can check it for you.
Some other options:
West Side Commons Program:
Summer Day Camp (Ages 5 – 13)
Daily Summer Camp
Camp is now enrolling for the 2023 school year! Enrollment is first come, first served, so lock in your spot by submitting all your paperwork on time.
The camp runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Camp includes a hot meal, outdoor playtime, a rotating schedule of fun art activities, trips, and more.
Tuition for each child is FREE.
We are a bilingual program that speaks Spanish and English.
To pick up an application, please visit our site at 696 Amsterdam Avenue. (Between 93rd and 94th street)
2023 Summer Camp Options–July 5 to August 18
For more information and registration: https://artsandathletics.org/
Inside Schools
Welcome to a rare Thursday edition of our newsletter.We took an extra day to scour our Free Programs and other resources to put together a list of summer opportunities still available. Whether you're one of the 45,000 families who didn't get a Summer Rising spot, or just want to explore free activities available to NYC families this summer, check out our long list in Free and Awesome.
Resources and opportunities for NYC families.
Our favorite newsletters for NYC familiesWant to be the first to learn about free programs and opportunities across the city? Sign up for the following free newsletters:
Creative workshops for teensProject Inspire offers online, evening workshops for middle and high school students that teach a range of skills including creative writing, data analytics, web development and coding (Java). Workshops are held twice a week for five weeks. Register online.Summer tutoring for elementary and middle school studentsProject Inspire offers summer tutoring for students in grades K to 8. Register online. Rocketry, robotics, computer coding & other STEM activities for kids & teensThe York College NASA MUREP Aerospace Academy offers an in-person summer program (July 2023) that aims to get young people excited about STEM subjects in school—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The application is not yet live but keep checking this link. Learn more about the NASA MUREP Aerospace Academy here.
Free NYC Museum and Zoo DaysLook up venues that offer free admission or "pay what you wish" options at NYC Arts and Mommy Poppins.City pools and beachesCity outdoor pools open for the season on June 29, 2023. Beaches are open now.Get a library cardGet your free library card at the New York (Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island), Brooklyn, or Queens public libraries.Explore NYC museums and more with Culture PassOnce you have a library card, you may use it to reserve free passes to 80+ cultural institutions via Culture Pass.Family kayakingThe Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers free kayaking over the summer. Reservations for each session open exactly two weeks in advance. Limited walk-ups (same-day sign-ups) may be available.Rowing, Sailing, and Birding on the Bronx RiverEnjoy free rowing, sailing, and birding along the Bronx River most Saturdays through Rocking the Boat.Sailing and Nature CampRocking the Boat offers a free summer camp for rising 6th- through 8th- graders. There are two sessions: July 10-28 and July 31-August 18.New York Junior League TennisRegistration is continuous and open for free tennis lessons for ages 5-15. Lessons typically run 1.5 hours. Find a tennis court near you,The best sprinkler parks in NYC. When the temperature hits 80 degrees you and your kids will be looking from some cool relief. Check out the list of best sprinkler parks across the city, compiled by Mommy Poppins.
Our Free Programs guide lets you explore a wide range of after-school, weekend, and summer opportunities for students of all ages.
The 2023-2024 School Calendar has been released.
Application Deadline - May 15!
Please note that if your child is already in a G&T class, you do not have to reapply. G&T placement lasts through fifth grade.
For Children Entering Grades 1, 2, 3, or 4 G&T Programs in Fall 2023
The G&T application will open May 2nd - May 15th. Offers will be made in late June.
The 166 Talent Show! Friday, May 19. 6 pm
This is a chance to share their talent with the community, support each other and be creative! Let’s have some fun!!
Submission Forms [DUE MAY 12] have been backpacked (put in gold box in lobby) OR available online at https://docs.google.com/forms/
Any questions OR to volunteer (PLEASE!) email caragoldrick@yahoo.com
Please save Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 6:30pm to join the PS 166 COMMUNITY in our auditorium to enjoy an evening of Broadway co-hosted by our very own Broadway performer/director/
“Broadway Sings” is a one night only cabaret-style show with amazing performances by some of Broadway’s favorite stars. Our performers have appeared on Broadway in shows such as Cats, Jersey Boys and Funny Girl! The whole PS 166 community comes together for an evening celebrating the industry of our namesake, Richard Rodgers, while raising funds to ensure that our children continue to receive a top notch education!
PS 166’s wonderful annual cabaret style fundraiser, honoring our namesake Broadway Composer Richard Rodgers, is back LIVE AND IN PERSON (first time since 2019) on Sunday, April 30, 2023 @ 6:30pm.
Library
This semester grades K-2 are having regular library classes with Mr. Shackman. Grade 3-5 classes are able to visit the library during open-access periods. Mr. Shackman would like to have a parent volunteer to help him during some of these periods. Each volunteer shift is one 40-minute period. Because each volunteer needs to be trained, volunteers will sign up for a regular weekly shift and come in at that same time each week. Please only sign up for one shift, so more parents have a chance to volunteer. The current schedule is for the months of March and April (but beginning Monday, 2/27), and there will be a new sign-up for volunteers for May and June.
Please note that even though the form says you are signing up for one date, you are actually signing up to repeat that day/time every week we are in school until April 28.
Sign Up Here to volunteer once a week in the library.
By now, most parents have set up their accounts, but for those that have not - remember that this is the only way report cards are distributed. Report cards are available in your NYCSA account today, February 17. Since school is closed for mid-winter recess next week, we will not be able to assist with any issues until after the 27th.
This year parents will vote in the CEC elections through their own NYCSA account. So if both parents want to vote, they will both need an account. Please read below if you have not set up your account. NYCSA is an easy way to stay connected to your child’s school, offering you access to your child’s grades, schedules, test scores, attendance, Individualized Education Program (IEP) information, bus times, and more. NYCSA allows you to submit essential school forms online and access important announcements from the NYC Department of Education, including news of events happening in your district or citywide.NYCSA now includes Parent University, a resource hub filled with free courses, events, and activities to help empower you as an advocate for your child’s education. In addition, you will be able to use NYCSA to cast your vote in upcoming elections for candidates who will represent your community on local and citywide Community Education Councils. How to Sign UpYou can sign up for an account today with just your name and contact information, and then connect the account to your child’s records by contacting your school for verification. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/nycsa and sign up now at schoolsaccount.nyc.
All kindergarten and first grade families in the Save for College Program can now activate and view their children’s NYC Scholarship Accounts!
Every student enrolled in the Save for College Program automatically receives an NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 from NYC Kids RISE, unless their family chooses not to participate by “opting-out.” You can earn more funds for your child’s NYC Scholarship Account by taking additional steps, the first of which is activating and viewing the account (Building Block 1). Activate and view your child’s NYC Scholarship Account now to earn a $25 reward:
NYC FITNESSGRAM is an annual fitness assessment for students in grades kindergarten-twelve that helps students and their families develop personal goals for lifelong fitness. Students complete the assessments in Physical Education class. NYC FITNESSGRAM is not a graded test, and the results are confidential.
You can view your child’s NYC FITNESSGRAM results and more information about NYC FITNESSGRAM on your NYC Schools Account.
You can also ask Mr. DeVito, your child’s PE teacher, to print out your child’s report. PE teachers can help you understand:
You may also want to share your child’s NYC FITNESSGRAM report with your health care provider. The NYC FITNESSGRAM reports can help start conversations about eating habits and levels of physical activity needed for good health.
Every school is required to conduct safety drills for emergency evacuation and lockdowns. The drills take place throughout the school year. Before the first of each type of drill, teachers give lessons to the students so they know what to expect. The lessons are posted on our website's safety drill page.
Thursday, June 8: Anniversary Day, no school for students
Friday, June 9: Clerical Day, no school for students
Monday, June 12: Kindergarten Ballet Hispanico Show, time TBD
Wednesday, June 14: Second Grade TaDa! Show, 9:30 AM
Thursday, June 15: PTA Meeting, 8 PM
Monday, June 19: Juneteenth, school closed
Friday, June 23: Fifth Grade Graduation, Auditorium, 9 AM
Tuesday, June 27: Last day of school
Summer Rising
The DOE Summer Rising application has closed. If your child has received placement at a Summer Rising location, you should receive an email from them. If you applied and did not receive notification, email dmarkewich@schools.nyc.gov and I can check it for you.
Some other options:
West Side Commons Program:
Summer Day Camp (Ages 5 – 13)
Daily Summer Camp
Camp is now enrolling for the 2023 school year! Enrollment is first come, first served, so lock in your spot by submitting all your paperwork on time.
The camp runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Camp includes a hot meal, outdoor playtime, a rotating schedule of fun art activities, trips, and more.
Tuition for each child is FREE.
We are a bilingual program that speaks Spanish and English.
To pick up an application, please visit our site at 696 Amsterdam Avenue. (Between 93rd and 94th street)
2023 Summer Camp Options–July 5 to August 18
For more information and registration: https://artsandathletics.org/
Inside Schools
Welcome to a rare Thursday edition of our newsletter.We took an extra day to scour our Free Programs and other resources to put together a list of summer opportunities still available. Whether you're one of the 45,000 families who didn't get a Summer Rising spot, or just want to explore free activities available to NYC families this summer, check out our long list in Free and Awesome.
Resources and opportunities for NYC families.
Our favorite newsletters for NYC familiesWant to be the first to learn about free programs and opportunities across the city? Sign up for the following free newsletters:
Creative workshops for teensProject Inspire offers online, evening workshops for middle and high school students that teach a range of skills including creative writing, data analytics, web development and coding (Java). Workshops are held twice a week for five weeks. Register online.Summer tutoring for elementary and middle school studentsProject Inspire offers summer tutoring for students in grades K to 8. Register online. Rocketry, robotics, computer coding & other STEM activities for kids & teensThe York College NASA MUREP Aerospace Academy offers an in-person summer program (July 2023) that aims to get young people excited about STEM subjects in school—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The application is not yet live but keep checking this link. Learn more about the NASA MUREP Aerospace Academy here.
Free NYC Museum and Zoo DaysLook up venues that offer free admission or "pay what you wish" options at NYC Arts and Mommy Poppins.City pools and beachesCity outdoor pools open for the season on June 29, 2023. Beaches are open now.Get a library cardGet your free library card at the New York (Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island), Brooklyn, or Queens public libraries.Explore NYC museums and more with Culture PassOnce you have a library card, you may use it to reserve free passes to 80+ cultural institutions via Culture Pass.Family kayakingThe Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers free kayaking over the summer. Reservations for each session open exactly two weeks in advance. Limited walk-ups (same-day sign-ups) may be available.Rowing, Sailing, and Birding on the Bronx RiverEnjoy free rowing, sailing, and birding along the Bronx River most Saturdays through Rocking the Boat.Sailing and Nature CampRocking the Boat offers a free summer camp for rising 6th- through 8th- graders. There are two sessions: July 10-28 and July 31-August 18.New York Junior League TennisRegistration is continuous and open for free tennis lessons for ages 5-15. Lessons typically run 1.5 hours. Find a tennis court near you,The best sprinkler parks in NYC. When the temperature hits 80 degrees you and your kids will be looking from some cool relief. Check out the list of best sprinkler parks across the city, compiled by Mommy Poppins.
Our Free Programs guide lets you explore a wide range of after-school, weekend, and summer opportunities for students of all ages.
The 2023-2024 School Calendar has been released.
Application Deadline - May 15!
Please note that if your child is already in a G&T class, you do not have to reapply. G&T placement lasts through fifth grade.
For Children Entering Grades 1, 2, 3, or 4 G&T Programs in Fall 2023
The G&T application will open May 2nd - May 15th. Offers will be made in late June.
The 166 Talent Show! Friday, May 19. 6 pm
This is a chance to share their talent with the community, support each other and be creative! Let’s have some fun!!
Submission Forms [DUE MAY 12] have been backpacked (put in gold box in lobby) OR available online at https://docs.google.com/forms/
Any questions OR to volunteer (PLEASE!) email caragoldrick@yahoo.com
Please save Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 6:30pm to join the PS 166 COMMUNITY in our auditorium to enjoy an evening of Broadway co-hosted by our very own Broadway performer/director/
“Broadway Sings” is a one night only cabaret-style show with amazing performances by some of Broadway’s favorite stars. Our performers have appeared on Broadway in shows such as Cats, Jersey Boys and Funny Girl! The whole PS 166 community comes together for an evening celebrating the industry of our namesake, Richard Rodgers, while raising funds to ensure that our children continue to receive a top notch education!
PS 166’s wonderful annual cabaret style fundraiser, honoring our namesake Broadway Composer Richard Rodgers, is back LIVE AND IN PERSON (first time since 2019) on Sunday, April 30, 2023 @ 6:30pm.
Library
This semester grades K-2 are having regular library classes with Mr. Shackman. Grade 3-5 classes are able to visit the library during open-access periods. Mr. Shackman would like to have a parent volunteer to help him during some of these periods. Each volunteer shift is one 40-minute period. Because each volunteer needs to be trained, volunteers will sign up for a regular weekly shift and come in at that same time each week. Please only sign up for one shift, so more parents have a chance to volunteer. The current schedule is for the months of March and April (but beginning Monday, 2/27), and there will be a new sign-up for volunteers for May and June.
Please note that even though the form says you are signing up for one date, you are actually signing up to repeat that day/time every week we are in school until April 28.
Sign Up Here to volunteer once a week in the library.
By now, most parents have set up their accounts, but for those that have not - remember that this is the only way report cards are distributed. Report cards are available in your NYCSA account today, February 17. Since school is closed for mid-winter recess next week, we will not be able to assist with any issues until after the 27th.
This year parents will vote in the CEC elections through their own NYCSA account. So if both parents want to vote, they will both need an account. Please read below if you have not set up your account. NYCSA is an easy way to stay connected to your child’s school, offering you access to your child’s grades, schedules, test scores, attendance, Individualized Education Program (IEP) information, bus times, and more. NYCSA allows you to submit essential school forms online and access important announcements from the NYC Department of Education, including news of events happening in your district or citywide.NYCSA now includes Parent University, a resource hub filled with free courses, events, and activities to help empower you as an advocate for your child’s education. In addition, you will be able to use NYCSA to cast your vote in upcoming elections for candidates who will represent your community on local and citywide Community Education Councils. How to Sign UpYou can sign up for an account today with just your name and contact information, and then connect the account to your child’s records by contacting your school for verification. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/nycsa and sign up now at schoolsaccount.nyc.
All kindergarten and first grade families in the Save for College Program can now activate and view their children’s NYC Scholarship Accounts!
Every student enrolled in the Save for College Program automatically receives an NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 from NYC Kids RISE, unless their family chooses not to participate by “opting-out.” You can earn more funds for your child’s NYC Scholarship Account by taking additional steps, the first of which is activating and viewing the account (Building Block 1). Activate and view your child’s NYC Scholarship Account now to earn a $25 reward:
NYC FITNESSGRAM is an annual fitness assessment for students in grades kindergarten-twelve that helps students and their families develop personal goals for lifelong fitness. Students complete the assessments in Physical Education class. NYC FITNESSGRAM is not a graded test, and the results are confidential.
You can view your child’s NYC FITNESSGRAM results and more information about NYC FITNESSGRAM on your NYC Schools Account.
You can also ask Mr. DeVito, your child’s PE teacher, to print out your child’s report. PE teachers can help you understand:
You may also want to share your child’s NYC FITNESSGRAM report with your health care provider. The NYC FITNESSGRAM reports can help start conversations about eating habits and levels of physical activity needed for good health.
Every school is required to conduct safety drills for emergency evacuation and lockdowns. The drills take place throughout the school year. Before the first of each type of drill, teachers give lessons to the students so they know what to expect. The lessons are posted on our website's safety drill page.
students not in attendance
students not in attendance
Nominations are OPEN for the Big Apple Awards through February 28, 2023! Everyone is encouraged to nominate a teacher. Learn more by clicking here: https://www.schools.nyc.
If you’re shopping on Amazon, please activate Amazon Smile by going to smile.amazon.com and selecting Friends of PS 166 Inc as the charity recipient. A percentage of each purchase will go to support our school!
PS 166 has a moderated Google discussion group that enables you to communicate and share useful information with other PS 166 parents/guardians. If you have questions about pick up or drop off procedures or need a recommendation for a good babysitter, pediatrician or other service provider, feel free to post your questions to the group. If you would like to send and/or receive reminders about upcoming school events or activities or would like to thank or congratulate another member for a job well done, this is the place to do it.
If you would like to join, email moderatorps166@gmail.com. Please include PS 166 Message Group in the subject line with your name and your child’s grade in the body of the message.
Gale Brewer’s office is giving out free test kits and masks available for pickup during business hours at her district office: 563 Columbus Ave. at 87th St., from 10 am – 5:30 pm.
Both Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech bivalent boosters have been authorized by the FDA and CDC for children as young as 5—Moderna for ages 6+, Pfizer for 5+. (“Bivalent” means the newest booster which helps target the BA.4 and BA.5 strains of Omicron.) You can search your ZIP code for availability of appointments for the new bivalent COVID booster at vaccines.gov.
Flu season is soon and flu shots are available now. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that “all children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza this fall, as vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe illness and keep kids in classrooms.”
Our school community relies on parents like you! Please sign up here to learn more about volunteer opportunities, and to let us know what skills and services you may be able to share! We are specifically looking for:
Scavenger Hunt Volunteers! Sign up with your friends!
Teacher Appreciation Event Volunteers
Volunteers with graphic design or programming experience to join our digital team!
Find out more about the fun events we have planned for this year here and learn about volunteer opportunities. Email our VP of Volunteers, Tiffany Boyer, with questions or ideas!
The chess program at PS 166 is a crown jewel at our school and one of the premier elementary school chess programs in the United States? Now in its 22nd year, the Manhattan Knights Chess Team boasts consistent top honors in all levels of tournament play. If your child is interested in participating in tournaments as a member of the chess team, please contact us to learn more.
NYC’s first electric school buses will be added to the school bus fleet in September.
Families looking for places to take their food scraps for composting can search this list of current options,
Want more information? Click here for more composting sites and information.
The Morningside Park Down-to-Earth Farmers Market (110th & Manhattan Avenue), accepts textiles weekly. In addition, Wearable Collections will pick up from your residence, although there is now a fee, and a large minimum amount: https://www.wearablecollections.com/homepickups
Another option is Pick Up Please: https://pickupplease.org/
Be sure to check out the Green Committee Home Page for more info.
